75
Training for health and early childhood professionals Designed to promote oral health for infants, children, and their families

Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

This presentation is a companion to the distance learning curriculum at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/OpenWide. Both are designed to help health and early childhood professionals working in community settings (e.g., Head Start and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children [WIC] staff) promote oral health in the course of promoting general health for infants, children, and their families. Topics include tooth decay, risk factors, and prevention; oral health risk assessment and oral health screening; and anticipatory guidance for parents.

Citation preview

Page 1: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

• Training for health and early childhood professionals

• Designed to promote oral health for infants, children, and their families

Page 2: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Credits

• These slides are based on the curriculum Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals prepared by Katrina Holt and Ruth Barzel, National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, Georgetown University.

• The curriculum is available at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/OpenWide/index.htm.

• Development of the curriculum was supported by a grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration.

Page 3: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Copyright

• Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals. © 2004 by National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, Georgetown University.

• Permission is given to photocopy these slides.

• Requests for permission to use all or part of the information contained in these slides in other ways should be sent to the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, Box 571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272, fax: (202) 784-9777.

Page 4: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Introduction

Modules:

• Tooth Decay• Risk Factors for Tooth Decay• Prevention of Tooth Decay• Oral Health in Community Settings

Page 5: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Tooth Decay

• Process of tooth decay.

• Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans)

• Bacterial transmission.

• Food interactions with S. mutans

• Problems with tooth decay

• Primary teeth

Overview

Page 6: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Process of Tooth Decay

• Tooth decay is an active process of tooth destruction resulting from interactions between teeth, food, and bacteria.

• Bacteria adhere to tooth surfaces in a sticky film, called dental plaque.

• When sugar and cooked starches are consumed, bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel of the teeth and cause mineral loss from teeth.

Page 7: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Process of Tooth Decay

• At first decay is limited to the subsurface of the enamel.

• If decay is caught early the tooth can restore itself.

• If left untreated, the cavity continues to grow, finally infecting the living pulp tissues within the tooth.

• The bacterial infection can then spread through the tissue spaces and blood vessels to other parts of the face and body.

FACT: Data from the third National Health and Nutrition Survey indicate that 8 percent of 2-year-olds have at least one decayed or filled tooth and that 40 percent of children are affected by age 5.

What is Tooth Decay?

Page 8: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Streptococcus Mutans

• Bacteria is main contributor to tooth decay.• Found mostly on tooth surfaces.• Concentrated mainly in pits and fissures on

chewing surfaces of back teeth.

FACT: The quantity of S. mutans in the mouth during infancy may be an excellent predictor of tooth decay in early childhood.

Page 9: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Bacterial Transmission

• Adults transmit bacteria to a child via saliva.

• Usually mother or other primary caregiver.

• Transmission occurs through– Child puts fingers in adult’s

mouth.– Adult tests bottle temperature

with mouth.– Adult shares utensils with child.– Adult cleans pacifier with her

mouth.

Page 10: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Bacterial Transmission

• It is important that parents and other primary caregivers practice good oral hygiene and avoid behaviors that could transmit S. mutans to a child.

Page 11: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Case Study #1

A mother tells you that between taking care of her three children (ages 5, 3, and 6 months) and working full time, she doesn't have time to brush her teeth, let alone floss.

What should you do?

Page 12: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Food Interactions with S. Mutans

Foods containing sugar and cooked starches interact with S. mutans to produce acids that can can cause mineral loss from teeth.

• Sucrose: Highly concentrated sugar contained in candy, cookies, cake, and sweetened beverages.

• Fructose: Naturally occurring sugar contained in fruit; contributes to tooth decay, although fruit is more nutritious than foods with sucrose.

• Lactose: Sugar contained in milk; contributes to tooth decay, although milk is more nutritious than foods with sucrose.

• Starch in processed foods such as bread, crackers, pasta, potato chips, pretzels, sweetened cereal, and French fries breaks down into simpler sugars.

Page 13: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Food Interactions with S. Mutans

• Frequent consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar (e.g., candy, cookies, cake, sweetened beverages, and fruit juice) increases the risk for tooth decay.

• Even very small amounts of these foods consumed frequently over the course of a day will create an acid environment lasting many hours.

• Snacking is important for children; because their stomachs are small, they need to eat small amounts frequently to meet their nutritional requirements.

Page 14: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Tooth Decay Leads to Other Problems

Tooth decay can spread, be extremely painful, and lead to

• Destruction of teeth.

• Difficulty chewing.

• Poor nutrition.

• Impaired physical development.

• Speech problems.

• Impaired performance in school.

Page 15: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Tooth Decay Leads to Other Problems

• Psychological problems such as low self-esteem and poor social interaction.

• Severe infections that can even result in death on rare occasions.

FACT: Children with severe tooth decay may weigh significantly less than children who do not have severe tooth decay. If children with tooth decay receive comprehensive oral health care, significant “catch-up” growth can occur.

FACT: Children with severe tooth decay may weigh significantly less than children who do not have severe tooth decay. If children with tooth decay receive comprehensive oral health care, significant “catch-up” growth can occur.

Page 16: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Importance of Primary Teeth

• Proper chewing, which promotes proper nutrition.

• Proper speech development.• Space in the dental arch

until the permanent teeth erupt.

• Development of the facial structure.

Primary teeth are important to a child’s overall development. They ensure

Page 17: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Primary Teeth and Tooth Decay

• Children with tooth decay in their primary teeth are at higher risk for tooth decay in their permanent teeth than children without tooth decay.

• Even if everyone in a family has tooth decay, it can still be prevented or reduced.

• Saving primary teeth promotes healthy development and reduces or eliminates the pain associated with tooth decay.

Page 18: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Tooth Decay: Key Points

• Tooth decay is an active process of tooth destruction resulting from interactions between teeth, food, and bacteria.

• The bacterium S. mutans is the main contributor to tooth decay.

• Bacteria can be transmitted from a parent or other intimate caregiver to an infant or child via saliva.

• Foods containing sugars and cooked starches interact with S. mutans and produce acids that cause mineral loss from teeth.

Page 19: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

At-Risk Populations

• Each time such foods are consumed, the acid attacks the enamel of the teeth.

• Tooth decay can spread and be extremely painful.

• Tooth decay in primary teeth most often means that there will be tooth decay in permanent teeth.

Page 20: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Risk Factors For Tooth Decay

• At-risk populations.

• Other risk factors.

• Impact of parents’ behavior.

• Impact of diet and feeding practices.

• Breastfeeding.

Overview

Page 21: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

At-Risk Populations

Children are at increased risk for tooth decay if they

• Live in communities without fluoridated water.

• Are from families with low incomes.

• Are from certain racial and ethnic minority groups.

• Have limited or no dental insurance.

• Are from families whose parents have less than a high school education.

• Have special health care needs (e.g., developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, cleft lip/palate).

Page 22: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Populations at Risk for Tooth Decay

FACT: Children ages 2 to 5 from families with low incomes are five times more likely to have untreated tooth decay than their more affluent counterparts.

Page 23: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Conditions that Increase Risk

Children with the following conditions are at greater risk for tooth decay:

• Preterm birth or low birthweight.

• Enamel defects.

• Deep pits and fissures in chewing surfaces of back teeth.

• Special health care needs.

• White spots or obvious plaque on the teeth.

• Fillings completed within the past 2 years.

• Gums that bleed easily.

• Presence of dental appliances (e.g., space maintainers).

• High concentrations of S. mutans in the mouth.

Page 24: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Other Risk Factors

• Poor oral hygiene.

• Inadequate exposure to fluoride.

• Putting the child to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup.

• Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar.

• Coating pacifiers with sweeteners like sugar or honey.

• Having a mother or other primary caregiver or a sibling who has had active tooth decay in the past 12 months.

Page 25: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Case Study #2

The father of a 6-month-old tells you that he wants to help take care of his son's teeth but doesn't know how or when to start.

What should you do?

Page 26: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

FACT: The quantity of S. mutans in the mouth during infancy may be an excellent predictor of tooth decay in early childhood, and determining the level of S. mutans in an infant’s mouth could enable early and effective risk management and disease prevention.

FACT: The quantity of S. mutans in the mouth during infancy may be an excellent predictor of tooth decay in early childhood, and determining the level of S. mutans in an infant’s mouth could enable early and effective risk management and disease prevention.

Other Risk Factors

Page 27: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Influence of Parents’ Behavior on Risk

• Some parents view the bottle as a good way to keep a child quiet and occupied during difficult times.

• Oral health is not a high priority– Less likely to take their child to the dentist. – May not engage in regular toothbrushing. – May be more likely to snack frequently on foods high

in sugar.

• Some parents believe it is cruel to deny a child a bottle or snacks.

Page 28: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Impact of Diet and Feeding Practices

Children have limited stomach capacity and need to snack to meet their nutritional requirements.

• Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar increases the risk for tooth decay, even if the amount eaten is small.

• Offer snacks at regular times between meals

• Limit snacking on foods and beverages that are high in sugar

Page 29: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Impact of Breastfeeding

• Low risk of developing tooth decay compared with bottle feeding.

• Breastmilk does contain sugar.

• Children who breastfeed for long periods throughout the day or night may develop tooth decay.

• To reduce sugary fluids from pooling around the teeth, remove child from the breast when he finishes feeding.

Page 30: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Risk Factors: Key Points

• Children who are at higher risk for tooth decay– live in communities without fluoridated

water.

– are from families with low incomes.

– are from certain racial and ethnic minority groups.

– have limited or no dental insurance.

– have parents with less than a high school education.

– have special health care needs.

Page 31: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Risk Factors: Key Points

• Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar increases the risk for tooth decay.

• Small amounts of foods consumed over the course of a day will create an acid environment lasting many hours.

Page 32: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Prevention of Tooth Decay

• First dental visit.

• Oral hygiene practices.

• Feeding and eating practices.

• Fluoride.

• Tools for prevention.

Overview

Page 33: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Child’s First Dental Visit

• The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend first dental visit by age 1.

• Dental visit goals– Assess risk for tooth decay.– Provide anticipatory guidance.– Answer parents’ questions.– Initiate prevention practices.

Page 34: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Benefits of Age 1 Dental Visit

• Parents learn what to expect with their child’s oral health and development.

• Parents learn how to care for their child’s teeth.

• Early identification of potential problems with tooth and jaw development.

Tooth Eruption Pattern

Page 35: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Oral Hygiene Practices—Ages ≤ 2

• Clean a child’s gums with a damp cloth after feedings even before the teeth erupt.

• Clean teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Use a soft infant toothbrush that is small enough to fit in the child’s mouth. Use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste.

• Brush a child’s teeth two to three times a day. Brushing before bed is most important. Don’t give the child anything to eat or drink (except water) after brushing at night.

• There are many different positions to use for brushing a child’s teeth. Lift the lips to brush the fronts and backs of the teeth and at the gum line.

Page 36: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Oral Hygiene Practices—Age > 2

• Brush teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

• Make sure the child spits toothpaste out after brushing.

• Don’t have the child rinse with water. The small amount of remaining fluoridated toothpaste helps build strong, healthy teeth.

• Young children do not have the fine motor skills to brush their teeth well. Parents should brush teeth again after the child is finished.

• By the time a child is able to tie her own shoelaces (age 7 to 8), she can clean her teeth well on her own but should be supervised.

Page 37: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Case Study #3

A mother of a 22-month-old tells you that she's concerned because her son throws a tantrum when she tries to brush his teeth.

What should you do?

Page 38: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Feeding and Eating Practices

• Do not allow frequent and prolonged bottle feedings or use of a sippy cup containing beverages high in sugar (e.g., fruit drinks, soda, or fruit juice), milk, or formula during the day or at night.

• Do not put the child to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup containing anything other then water.

Page 39: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Feeding and Eating Practices

• Do not use a bottle to calm a child or to put a child to bed. Instead of a bottle try

– Giving the child a favorite blanket or toy.– Offering the child a clean pacifier.– Holding, patting, or rocking the child.– Reading to the child.– Softly talking or singing to the child.

Page 40: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Feeding and Eating Practices

• If a child is accustomed to being put to bed with a bottle, offer a bottle filled with plain water.

• Hold the child while feeding. Never prop a bottle on pillows or any other objects to hold it in the child’s mouth.

• Never add cereal to a bottle. This causes sugary fluids to pool around the teeth and can also cause choking.

• Always feed children solid foods with a spoon or fork, or, if the child is coordinated enough, encourage self-feeding.

Page 41: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Feeding and Eating Practices

• Introduce a small cup when the child can sit up without support.

• Gradually wean the child from the bottle when he begins to eat more solid foods and drinks from a cup; at about 9 to 10 months.

• By 12 to 14 months, most children can drink from a cup.

• Do not dip pacifiers in sweetened foods like sugar or honey.

Page 42: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Feeding and Eating Practices

• Offer snacks at regular times between meals only.

• Make sure the child drinks plenty of water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks.

• Don’t offer food in return for good behavior. This teaches children that foods are rewards and can lead to the development of unhealthy habits.

Page 43: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Fluoride

• Fluoride is a mineral that enhances tooth and bone health.

• Fluoride increases tooth resistance to tooth decay.

• Fluoride occurs naturally in groundwater.

• Fluoride is also found in foods such as breads and beverages that are made using fluoridated water and in many public fluoridated water supplies.

• Tooth decay can be reduced by 50 to 70 percent with exposure to the proper amounts of fluoride.

Page 44: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Water Fluoridation

• Water fluoridation is one of the best examples of a public health preventive intervention at the community level.

• All children who drink fluoridated water benefit by incorporating fluoride into their developing teeth.

Page 45: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Topical Fluoride

Topical fluoride may be especially effective for children at high risk for tooth decay because they may

• Lack access to fluoridated water.

• Have a history of tooth decay.• Snack frequently on foods.

high in sugar.• Have a medical condition that

makes them susceptible to tooth decay.

Page 46: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Types of Topical Fluoride

• Toothpaste– Almost all toothpaste manufactured in

the United States provides topical fluoride.

• Professionally applied fluoride– Gels, foams, and varnish applied by

oral health professionals renews the high levels of fluoride in enamel.

– Varnish is now being applied by some pediatric medical care providers in most of the United States.

Page 47: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Toothpaste Amounts

“Smear”Ages 2 and Under

“Pea Size”Over Age 2

Page 48: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Tools for Prevention

Fluoride Varnish

• A topical fluoride-containing lacquer that is easily “painted” onto the surfaces of a child’s teeth.

• Professionally applied fluoride varnish is the preferred source of topical fluoride for young children because it is better tolerated and less likely to be swallowed than other topical fluorides.

Page 49: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Tools for Prevention

Xylitol• Low-calorie sugar substitute used in certain chewing

gums and other food products.

• Can reduce new cases of tooth decay in mothers and children.

• Short-term exposure to xylitol decreases S. mutans levels in saliva and plaque.

• In addition to decreasing new cases of tooth decay, xylitol may also decrease the transmission of S. mutans from mothers or other caregivers to children.

Page 50: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Key Points: Prevention

• Children should visit a dentist no later than age 12 months.

• Parents should begin cleaning a child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts, usually around age 6 to 10 months.

• Tooth decay can be reduced by 50 to 70 percent with exposure to proper amounts of fluoride.

• All children who drink fluoridated water benefit by incorporating fluoride into their developing teeth.

Page 51: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Key Points: Prevention

• Topical fluoride is probably the most important method for preventing tooth decay.

• Fluoride varnish is a topical fluoride-containing lacquer that can be easily “painted” onto the susceptible surfaces of a child’s teeth.

• Xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute used in certain chewing gums and other food products, may reduce the incidence of tooth decay in mothers and children.

Page 52: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Oral Health in Community Settings

• Role of professionals in preventing or reducing risk for tooth decay.

• Oral health risk assessment and screening.

• Referral.

• Anticipatory guidance.

Overview

Page 53: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Settings for Oral Health Promotion

• Community-based programs.– WIC.– Head Start.

• Primary care sites.– Medical practices.

• Early childhood programs.

Page 54: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Role of Professionals

• Perform an oral health risk assessment.

• Conduct a basic oral health screening, if qualified.

• Initiate appropriate preventive interventions, if qualified.

• Record oral health information.

• Refer to a dentist.

• Provide anticipatory guidance.

Page 55: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Oral Health Risk Assessment

• An approach to identifying the risk and/or protective factors that may impact a child’s oral health.

• A referral is made if the professional checks more than one box in the “Risk Factors for Oral Disease” column.

Page 56: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Risk Assessment Tool

High Risk Factors

Moderate Risk Factors

Protective Factors

Biological Factors

Mother/primary caregiver has active cavities Yes

Parent/caregiver has low socioeconomic status Yes

Child has >3 between meal sugar-containing snacks or beverages per day Yes

Child is put to bed with a bottle containing natural or added sugar Yes

Child has special care needs Yes

Child is a recent immigrant Yes

Protective Factors

Child receives optimally-fluoride drinking water or fluoride supplements Yes

Child has teeth brushed daily with fluoridated toothpaste Yes

Child receives topical fluoride from heath professional Yes

Child has dental home/regular care Yes

Clinical Findings

Child has white spot lesions or enamel defects Yes

Child has visible cavities or fillings Yes

Child has plaque on teeth Yes

Page 57: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Oral Health Screening

• Conducted by health and other appropriately trained professionals as determined by state practice acts or regulations.

• Screening to identify oral disease and to provide guidance for preventing and managing oral disease

• Findings are not considered a diagnosis.• Involves observing the following structures: lips, tongue, teeth,

gums, inside of cheek, and roof of mouth.

Page 58: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Materials Needed to Conduct an Oral Health Screening

• Disposable gloves (preferably non-latex).

• Light source (e.g., flashlight, portable gooseneck lamp, examination light, headlamp).

• Tongue depressor (optional).

• Disposable mouth mirror (optional).

Page 59: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Positioning ChildrenUnder Age 3

• Position the child in the parent’s lap so that the child is facing the parent.

• Sit opposite the parent so that your knees are touching the parent’s.

• Lower the child’s head onto your lap.

• If necessary, have the parent hold the child’s arms.

Page 60: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Positioning ChildrenAges 3 and Older

• Lay the child on the examination table on his or her back.

• Ask the parent to hold the child’s hands.

• Approach the child from behind the head to ensure a clear view into the oral cavity.

Page 61: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Conducting an Oral Health Screening

• Lift the lip and look for – Eruption of primary teeth.– Plaque.– White spots along the gum line of

the upper front teeth.– Tooth decay.– Abscesses in the gums.– Enamel defects.– Dental trauma.

• Show the parent any problems, and provide education on oral hygiene and diet.

Page 62: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Tooth Development

Page 63: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Past History of Tooth Decay

Page 64: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Untreated Tooth Decay

Page 65: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Dental Sealants

Page 66: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Oral Health Risk Assessment, Screening, and Follow-Up Form

• Record clinical findings and recommended follow-up.

• Keep the completed form in the child’s health record.

• Use a consistent format among all professionals who conduct risk assessments and screenings.

Page 67: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Referrals

• If physical abuse is suspected, record observations, and contact the local social service agency.

• Refer child who has immediate oral health problems or is at high risk for tooth decay to a local dentist.

• For assistance in locating a dentist contact– Local or state dental societies.– American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.– American Dental Association.

Page 68: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Anticipatory Guidance

• Provide pregnant women and families with information to promote oral health.

• Anticipatory guidance can include– oral development.– tooth eruption.– oral hygiene practices.– fluoride use.– bottle use.– feeding and eating practices.– transmission of S. mutans.

Page 69: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Anticipatory Guidance to Share with Pregnant Women, New Mothers, and Other Caregivers

• Brush teeth using fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.

• Visit a dentist for an examination and restoration of all active decay

• Eat healthy foods including fruit, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.

• Choose whole fruit instead of juices• See Anticipatory Guidance to Share

with Pregnant Women, New Mothers, and Other Caregivers.

Page 70: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Anticipatory Guidance for Parents of Infants (Birth to Age 1)

• Clean the infant’s gums with a clean wet cloth before the teeth erupt.

• Once the first tooth erupts, brush the child’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush that is designed for infants, and a smear of fluoridated toothpaste.

• Take the child to a dentist for the first dental examination by age 12 months.

Page 71: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

• Do not put the infant to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup or allow frequent and prolonged feedings with foods and drinks that are high in sugar.

• Do not dip pacifiers in sweetened foods like sugar or honey.

• Do not engage in saliva sharing habits (e.g., sharing utensils, cleaning pacifiers with mouth).

• Serve the child no more than 4–6 ounces of 100 percent fruit juice per day.

• Serve foods containing sugar at mealtimes, and limit the amount.

Anticipatory Guidance for Parents of Infants (Birth to Age 1)

Page 72: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Anticipatory Guidance for Parents of Children (Ages 1–5)

• Brush the child’s teeth twice a day (after breakfast and before bed).– For children ages 2 and under, brush the child’s teeth

with a smear of fluoridated toothpaste. – For children over age 2, brush the child’s teeth with

pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.– Make sure the child spits out the toothpaste after

brushing, but do not have the child rinse with water.

Page 73: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Anticipatory Guidance for Parents of Children (Ages 1–5)

• Wean the child from the bottle by age 12–14 months.

• Do not engage in saliva sharing habits (e.g., sharing utensils, cleaning pacifiers with mouth).

• Serve the child no more than 4–6 ounces of 100 percent fruit juice per day.

• Serve foods containing sugar at mealtimes, and limit the amount.

• Offer water or milk if the child is thirsty between meals.

Page 74: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Key Points

• Primary care health professionals and other health and childhood professionals can promote oral health.

• Primary care health professionals or other appropriately trained professionals should perform an oral health screening as part of any health visit.

• Oral health risk assessment results, clinical findings, and recommended follow-up should be recorded in the child’s health record.

• Professionals can provide anticipatory guidance to promote oral health to children and families.

Page 75: Open Wide: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Questions?

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource CenterGeorgetown UniversityBox 571272Washington, DC 20057-1272Phone: (202) 784-9771Fax: (202) 784-9777Web site: http://www.mchoralhealth.org